Thursday, October 8, 2009

EVER wondered about the proper way to roll sushi? How hard can it be to produce a California roll, right? Looks easy enough. Well, that’s part of the art. See how they roll during a class at Morimoto. As a bonus, one can lift a glass of wine with the Iron Chef himself.

And after an hour with wine expert and educator Kevin Zraly sushi lovers will likely have a better handle on what to drink with that perfect roll.

These are but two of the many morsels to savor at the Second Annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. It opens shop today in the Meatpacking District and a few other city neighborhoods and will serve the last on Sunday (11 Oct).

Morimoto will be on the bill with a galaxy of other Food Network stars, as well as other big names from the world of food doing culinary demonstrations, tastings, panel discussions, interviews and signing books. Folks, Paul Deen will be there. So will Rachel Ray and Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay. And, and, and the favorite of Yours Truly, The Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten. I'll have my say about select portions.

Expect four days of stargazing, eating and drinking for two very worthy causes: the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength, which also serve as the hosts.

To purchase tickets and for more information about the Second Annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, visit http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com. For Food Bank for New York City: foodbanknyc.org; for Share Our Strength: Strength.org.